Construction machine having location based auto-start

ABSTRACT

A construction machine for automatically receiving selected project data files based on the geographical location and identification of the machine. The machine includes an auto-start transceiver for transmitting the local location and identification of the machine and receiving project data files from a project data distributor that are selected for the local location and identification for operation of the machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to construction machines and moreparticularly to a construction machine having automatic startup based onits geographical location.

2. Description of the Background Art

The use of digital project data files and precise machine positioning isbecoming more common for construction project applications such asmining, roads, land fill, site preparation and building. The projectdata files generally include digital terrain models. The digital terrainmodels have geographical and elevation coordinates for current andplanned design surfaces. The workers at project sites use the terrainmodels with precise local positions for operating construction machinessuch as excavators, stakers, bulldozers, post hole diggers, and thelike. The worker arrives at the site, unloads the machine and beginsdetermining positions. However, before he can begin work he needs to begiven the project data files that are pertinent for his project andmachine.

The project data files are generally stored and maintained in a projectdatabase somewhere other than the project site. There may be projectdata files for tens of different projects and hundreds of machines in acentral database at a headquarters office. These files may be carried tothe site in a hardware form such as a compact disc or downloaded using aradio system or telephone connection from the database to each machine.However, there is the non-trivial task of sorting out the digitalterrain models that are pertinent to a particular project for aparticular machine from the hundreds of others. The task is made moredifficult for projects covering a large area because the size of thedata files becomes unwieldy and geographical calibrations may bedifferent for different locations within the project. Existing systemsaccomplish the selection task with the use of project and work ordernumbers. Unfortunately, the use of project and workorders numbers can besubject to daily human error and, in any case, become difficult toimplement when the machines move their location across geographicalboundary lines within the project site that may not be visible to theoperator.

There is a need for a construction project data delivery apparatus thatautomatically selects and delivers the project data files that arepertinent for a construction machine at a project site. There is afurther need for a construction project data delivery apparatus thatautomatically delivers new project data as the machine moves within thesite.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a construction machine that automaticallyreceives selected project data files based on a location andidentification. The project data files may include geographicalcoordinate calibrations, communication system directions, work orders,design and current digital terrain models, background files, andapplication programs. A project data distributor stores and maintainsthe project data files in association with project site locations andproject plan machine identifications. In some cases the project sitelocations are segmented into location pages.

The construction machine includes an auto-start mechanism fordetermining and transmitting a geographical location and anidentification to the project data distributor. The project datadistributor uses the machine location and identification for searching aproject database of project data files and selects only those projectdata files for the project site location and project plan machineidentification matching the remote machine location and the remotemachine identification. The selected project data files are thentransmitted to the machine. As the machine moves within the projectsite, it continues to transmit its remote location. When the remotelocation moves to a new location page in the database, the project datadistributor automatically selects and transmits the project data filesfor the new location page to the machine.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a construction machinehaving a location device for determining a local location, and anauto-start transceiver for transmitting a machine signal having thelocal location and receiving a distribution signal from a project datadistributor having project data files selected according to the locallocation for operation of the machine. In a variation or an extension ofthis embodiment, the machine signal is transmitted automatically atpower-up of the machine. In another variation or extension of thisembodiment, the machine signal includes information for anidentification of the machine, and the project data files are selectedaccording to the identification.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for use in aconstruction machine, comprising steps of determining a local location;transmitting a machine signal having the local location; and receiving adistribution signal from a project data distributor having project datafiles selected according to the local location for operation of themachine. In a variation of an extension of this embodiment, the machinesignal is transmitted automatically at power-up of the machine. Inanother variation or extension of this embodiment, the machine signalincludes information for an identification of the machine, and receivesthe project data files selected according to the identification.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a tangible mediumcontaining a set of instructions for causing a processor to control amachine for carrying out the steps of determining a local location;transmitting a machine signal having the local location; and receiving adistribution signal from a project data distributor having project datafiles selected according to the local location for operation of themachine. In a variation or an extension of this embodiment, the tangiblemedium instructs the processor so that the machine signal is transmittedautomatically at power-up of the machine. In another variation orextension of this embodiment, the tangible medium instructs theprocessor to transmit the machine signal with information for anidentification of the machine, and to receive the distribution signalwith project data files that are selected according to theidentification.

An advantage of the construction machine of the present invention isthat the selected project date files that are pertinent for a particularconstruction machine are automatically received by the machine so thatthe machine or machine operator does not need to sort through unneededfiles. Another advantage is that the selected project data files areautomatically selected according to the location and identification ofthe machine so that work and project numbers do not need to be used inorder to deliver the pertinent project data files. Another advantage isthat updated project data files may be received automatically as themachine moves location within a project site.

These and other embodiments and advantages of the present invention willno doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art afterhaving read the following detailed description of the best mode forcarrying out the invention and viewing the various drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a construction project data deliveryapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of project data files for the project datadelivery apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a chart for the project data files of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a chart showing elevation ranges for the project data files ofFIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a chart showing time ranges for the project data files ofFIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for a method of the present invention fordistributing project data files;

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are flow charts for organizing project data files,receiving a machine signal and selecting project data files for themethod of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of the present invention forreceiving project data files.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The details of the preferred embodiments for carrying out the idea ofthe invention will now be described. It should be understood that thedescription of these details is not intended to limit the invention tothese details. On the contrary these details are merely intended todescribe the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the ideaof the invention. Numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalentsof the embodiments described herein will be apparent to someone skilledin the art as within the scope of the idea of this invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a construction project data delivery apparatus of thepresent invention referred to with a reference number 10 fordistributing location-selected project data files 12. The apparatus 10includes a project data distributor 14 and at least one constructionmachine 16. The project data distributor 14 may be considered aspecialized server for construction projects. Tens or hundreds ofconstruction machines 16 may be used with the apparatus 10. The projectdata distributor 14 may reside at a single base station location or mayhave component parts in several different geographical locations thatare in communication with each other.

Whether the data distributor 14 is located at a single location orseparated into component parts in widely scattered locations, iteffectively includes a project control database 22 of project data files24 for construction projects, a search program 26 for finding theselected project data files 12, a distribution receiver 28 for receivingsignals 32 from the construction machines 16, and a distributiontransmitter 34 for transmitting distribution signals 36 having theselected data project files 12 to the construction machines 16. Theproject data files 24 are stored and maintained in the database 22 inassociation with project site locations 38 for the geographical area orthe construction project, location pages 39 for smaller geographicalareas within the area the project site location 38, and constructionproject plan machine identifications 40.

The term “construction” is defined to include construction for buildingsand pipelines, stakeout, grading, land fill, mining, road building,trenching, excavating, and the like where real property is beingtransformed by machinery. The construction machine 16 is defined as amachine used for construction. Examples of construction machines 16 aregraders, bulldozers, surveyors, excavators, post hole diggers, cranes,trenchers, stakers, and the like. The construction machine 16 can alsobe a supervisor's management tool insofar as it is used for theconstruction project at the project site. For example the tool can be acomputing device such as a laptop, personal digital assistant (PDA),cellphone with PDA capability, or the like.

The construction machine 16 includes a location device 44 for providinga remote machine location 45 for start up and a precise position 46 foroperation, an auto-locate-start mechanism 48, an identification 50, atransceiver 52, a processor 54, a display 56, and may include aconstruction implement 58. The identification 50 is stored in a way tobe readable by the auto-start mechanism 48. The auto-start mechanism 48and transceiver 52 may be considered as an auto-start transceiver 60. Atpower turn-on or return from a standby mode or with a key stroke, theauto-start mechanism 48 performs an auto-start to instruct the locationdevice 44 to compute the location 45 and instruct the transceiver 52 totransmit the location 45 and the identification 50 in the signal 32. Thesearch program 26 uses the location 45 and identification 50 forsearching the project data files 24 in the database 22 for finding theparticular set of selected project data files 12 where the project sitelocation 38 encompasses the remote machine location 45 and the projectplan machine identification 40 matches the remote machine identification50.

The distribution transmitter 34 transmits the location-selected projectdata files 12 in the distribution signal 36 to the machine transceiver52. The auto location-start mechanism 48 instructs the transceiver 52 toreceive the selected project data files 12 in the distribution signal 36and pass the data to the processor 54. The processor 54 processes theselected project data files 12 into a form where they can be useddirectly by the construction implement 58 for operation or used by beingdisplayed on the display 56 in a manner so that a human worker canoperate the construction machine 16.

The invention is not dependent on the method by which the signals 32 and36 are communicated. The signals 32 and 36 are preferably wirelesssignals, such as radio, cellular telephone, satellite, optical and thelike, when they are transmitted and received by the machine transceiver52. However, the signals 32 or 36 may be transmitted and received by themachine 16 using landline telephones. The signals 32 and 36 may beconverted between landline and wireless signals using either fulltimelines or packets any number of times between the distribution receiverand transmitter 28 and 34 and the transceiver 52.

The location device 44 may use two different instruments and/or use twodifferent methods for first quickly determining the location 45 forautomatic project data delivery, and then precisely determining thelocation or position 46 for operation of the machine 16 according to theproject data. The location 45 is used for automatically selecting whichof the many sets of project data files 24 that are stored in thedatabase 22 are selected and delivered to the construction machine 16.With the use of this location 45, the operator of the constructionmachine 16 automatically and seamlessly receives only the informationthat he needs for his work without having to sort through unneededfiles.

The location 46 is used with the selected project data files 12 fordirecting or informing the operator of the machine 16 for operating themachine 16 directly. For example, the selected project data files 12 mayguide the operator to raise or lower the level of the blade or shovel ofthe implement 58 to the design surface carried in a digital terrainmodel in the selected project data files 12. It should be noted that theposition accuracy of the location 45 for finding the selected projectdata files 12 may be several meters or even tens of meters whereas thelocation 46 may require centimeter accuracy for directing the implement58. Typically, the precise location 46 is determined with the aid ofreference location information obtained by receiving a radio signal forcalibrating the raw location information measured at the machine 16.

A GPS receiver may be used for the location device 44 for providing thelocation 45 and a real time kinematic (RTK) GPS receiver may be used forproviding the location 46. An exemplary RTK GPS system is described byin U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,620, incorporated herein by reference, entitled“centimeter accurate global positioning system receiver for on-the-flyreal-time-kinematic measurement and control” by Nicholas C. Talbot etal. However, the apparatus 10 is not dependent on the device or mannerin which the information for the locations 45 and 46 are determined. Auser may enter a location that is different than the actual location ofthe machine 16 and the entered location may be used as the location 45.

Several examples of systems for determining location will now bereferenced. Location may be determined by ranging or timing with globalnavigation satellite system (GNSS) signals such as GPS signals, globalorbiting navigational satellite system (GLONASS) signals, Galileosignals and the like. The GNSS signals are normally broadcast bysatellites but may be broadcast by pseudolites. Location is preferablyin the form of geographical coordinates such as latitude, longitude andaltitude along with time. However, location may also be in the form ofpseudoranges that are processed in the project data distributor 14 inorder to provide the geographical coordinates for the location.

Location can also be determined with terrestrial positioning systems.One example of such terrestrial positioning system is the systemproposed by Kelley et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,710 entitled“navigation and positioning system and method using uncoordinated beaconsignals” incorporated herein by reference. Another example is the hybridradio location system using both radio and GPS pseudoranges that isdescribed by Loomis in U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,416 incorporated herein byreference.

Another example is the system described by Matthew Rabinowitz and JamesSpilker in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/159,478 filed May 31, 2002 andassigned to Rosum Corporation of Redwood City, Calif., entitled“position location using global positioning system signals augmented bybroadcast television signals” which is incorporated herein by reference.This applications shows methods and apparatus' using broadcasttelevision signals in conjunction with GPS signals to determine theposition of a user.

Another example is the system described by Matthew Rabinowitz and JamesSpilker in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/054,302 filed Jan. 22, 2002 andassigned to Rosum Corporation of Redwood City, Calif., entitled“position location using broadcast analog television signals” which isincorporated herein by reference. This applications shows methods andapparatus' using a plurality of analog television transmitters at knownreference points to determine the position of a user.

Another example is the system described by Matthew Rabinowitz and JamesSpilker in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/932,010 filed Aug. 17, 2001 andassigned to Rosum Corporation of Redwood City, Calif., entitled“position location using terrestrial digital video broadcast televisionsignals” which is incorporated herein by reference. Another example isthe system described by Matthew Rabinowitz and James Spilker in U.S.application Ser. No. 10/054,262 filed Jan. 22, 2002 and assigned toRosum Corporation of Redwood City, Calif., entitled “time-gated delaylock loop tracking of digital television signals” which is incorporatedherein by reference. These two applications show methods and apparatus'using a plurality of digital television transmitters at known referencepoints to determine the location of a user.

Other examples location determination systems that may be used fordetermining location are radio navigation systems (RNS) using eithertriangulation or timing, position augmentation services (PAS) usinglocal location signals transmitted from local reference points toaugment RNS and/or GNSS signals, and the like. One such system knowncommercially as a Terralite™ XPS system made by Novariant, Inc. of MenloPark, Calif., uses self-surveying XPS stations for augmenting the GPSsystem.

The project data distributor 14 also includes a geographical pager 62,an elevation selector 64, a time selector 66 and a model update program68. The geographical pager 62, the elevation selector 64 and the timeselector 66 operate with the search program 26 for further selecting theselected project data files 12 for the location page 39, elevation andtime, respectively, that are designated by the remote location 45. Itshould be understood that time can be included with the location 45.

After auto-start, under control of the operator of the machine 16 orautomatically when the location 45 changes or with some other automaticbasis, the construction machine 16 continues to transmit new positionsfor its remote location 45 and identification 50 in the signal 32 to theproject data distributor 14. As the machine 16 moves across boundariesat the construction site that may be invisible, the geographical pager62 operates with the search program 26 for paging through the selectedproject data files 12 for selecting the files 12 that are associatedwith the location page 39 that encompasses the new positions of theremote location 45. Similarly, the elevation selector 64 operates withthe search program 26 for selecting the location-selected project datafiles 12 that are associated with elevation ranges that encompasses thenew position of the remote location 45. The time selector 66 operateswith the search program 26 for selecting the location-selected projectdata files 12 that are associated with time ranges that encompasses thetime of the remote location 45. The model update program 68 uses theremote location 45 and identification 50 for updating the selectedproject data files 12 for current information, such as a currentsurface, at the construction site.

FIG. 2 represents the way in which the project data files 24 areorganized. The project data files 24 are stored in association withproject site locations 38. A first of the project site locations 38 isshown as project site location 1. The project data files 24 may befurther associated with location pages 39 having areas within theproject site locations 38. A first of the location pages 39 within theproject site location 1 is shown as page 1. The project data files 24are further associated with project plan machine identifications 40. Theproject plan machine identifications 40 are shown as A, B, C, D and E.The search program 26 searches the project data files 24 according tothe remote location 45 for the project site location 38 and page 39, andaccording to the remote machine identification 50 for the project planmachine identification 40 into order to select the selected project datafiles 12 that are transmitted to the remote machine 16.

The project data files 24 on the database 22, organized as describedherein, may be contained on a tangible medium 80 in a form that may beread by the search program 26 and written to by the model update program68. The medium may be a digital memory device such as a digital videodevice (DVD), compact disk (CD), electronic memory chips, a hard disk,or the like. The search program 26 and the other elements of the projectdata distributor 14 are controlled by one or more digital processors 82(FIG. 1).

FIG. 3 represents the database 22 of the present invention. The database22 comprises data for individual projects shown as projects 1, 2 throughn. The project data files 24 for the projects 1, 2 through n have theassociated project site locations 38. The project site locations 38 areillustrated with numbers 1, 2 through n corresponding respectively tothe projects. The data in the project site locations 1, 2 through ndefine the geographical boundaries enclosing the area of the site. Eachof the project site locations 1, 2 through n may be subdivided into,possibly overlapping, pages 39 illustrated as pages 1, 2 through n wherethe location page 39 has a geographical area within the area of theproject site location 38.

The project site locations 1, 2 through n and the location pages 1, 2through n have one or more project plan machine identifications 40,designated A through Y, for the construction machines 16 that arescheduled for the projects. For the page 1 of the project site location1, the project plan machine identifications 40 are designated A(grader), B (bulldozer), C (supervisor laptop), D (surveyor) through E(post hole digger). The identifications A through Y represent exemplaryproject plan machine identifications 40 for page 1 of the project sitelocation 1 through to page n of the project site location n. It shouldbe noted that the database 22 is not limited to A through Yidentifications but can be a much larger number if desired.

Moreover, each of the project plan machine identifications A through Ymay be repeated and associated in the database 22 with the project datafiles 12 for several different project site locations 1, 2 through n.For example, the project plan identification designated as A (grader)may have project data files 12 associated with any or all of the projectsite locations 1, 2 through n. For this example, when the grader A islocated at a project site location 2, page 1, it would receive theselected project data files 12 for the identification A (grader) andlocation 2, page 1. Using the nomenclature of the figure, the selectedproject data files 12 would have comm 21A, task 21A, applet 21A, geo cal21, design DTM 21, current DTM 21 and background files 21.

The project data files 24 include files for communication system (commsystem), work order, application program (app program), geographiccalibration and design control. The design control files include adesign surface digital terrain model (DTM), a current surface digitalterrain model (DTM), and background files having general information.The design and current DTMs have precise geographical coordinates.

The design DTM represents the surface that is required according to theconstruction plan. The current DTM represents a surface as it exists orexisted that may be updated from the construction machine 16 to thedatabase 22. For example, a grader may have graded an area at theproject site to a level that is part way between an original currentsurface and the required design surface. When the machine 16 arrives onsite it typically needs both the design and current DTMs.

Digital terrain models have the essential data for defining a surface inthree dimensions. There are several digital terrain model formats suchas a grid model, an irregular triangular network model, and an elementbased model. A grid model has equally spaced horizontal points showingelevations. For example, the model may contain the elevations for a onemeter by one meter grid. An irregular triangular network has a sparsegrid of horizontal points with elevations and irregular triangles fordefining the surfaces between the points. The irregular triangularnetwork model is commonly used by surveyors. An element based system hasconnected horizontal straights and curved elements with verticalelements and vertical cross-sections. The element based model may bemost efficient for road building.

The project data files 24 for the communication system, work order andapplication program are represented as being individual files forrespective project plan machine identifications A through Y forrespective project site locations 1 through n and respective locationpages 1 through n. The project data files 24 for geographicalcalibration and design control are represented as common master filesfor the project plan machine identifications A through Y for respectivelocations 1 through n and respective pages 1 through n. However, any ofthe files may be stored individually or as master files for each of theidentifications A through Y or each type of machine (grader, bulldozer,supervisor laptop, surveyor, and the like) for the identifications Athrough Y or the location pages 1′ through n within a particular projectsite 1 through n.

At auto-start, the machine 16 needs to be able to transmit the machinesignals 32 having the location 45 and identification 50 and the projectdata distributor 14 needs to be able to receive the signals 32 in orderto search the database 22 for selecting the project data files 12. Thisor further communication with the signals 32 and 36 and the machine 16may be specified by the communication system information in the selectedfiles 12.

The communication system specifies the equipment, channels, coding,routing and the like for the machine signals 32 and the distributionsignals 36 for communication between the project data distributor 14 andthe individual construction machines 16. For example, the comm 11Aspecifies the communication system for the project plan machineidentification A (grader) when the machine corresponding to A (grader)is at location 1, page 1. The comm 12F specifies the communicationsystem for the project plan machine identification F (grader) when themachine corresponding to F (grader) is at location 1, page 2. The comm 1nK specifies the communication system for the project plan machineidentification K (grader) when the machine corresponding to K (grader)is at location 1, page n. The comm 21P specifies the communicationsystem for the project plan machine identification P (grader) when themachine corresponding to P (grader) is at location 2, page 1. The commn1U specifies the communication system for the project plan machineidentification U (grader) when the machine corresponding to U (grader)is at location n, page 1. The communication systems are similarlyspecified for the project plan machine identifications A-Y when thecorresponding machines 16 are at their respective locations 1 through nand location pages 1 through n.

The work order specifies the tasks that are to be performed by theindividual remote machines A through Y. For example, the task 11Aspecifies the task that is to be performed by the machine 16corresponding to the project plan machine identification A (grader) whenthe machine 16 is at location 1, page 1. The task 12F specifies the taskthat is to be performed by the machine 16 corresponding to the projectplan machine identification F (grader) when the machine 16 is atlocation 1, page 2. The task in K specifies the task that is to beperformed by the machine 16 corresponding to the project plan machineidentification K (grader) when the machine 16 is at location 1, page n.The task 21P specifies the task that is to be performed by the machine16 corresponding to the project plan machine identification P (grader)when the machine 16 is at location 2, page 1. The task n1U specifies thetask that is to be performed by the machine 16 corresponding to theproject plan machine identification U (grader) when the machine 16 is atlocation n, page 1. The tasks are similarly specified for the projectplan machine identifications A-Y when the corresponding machines 16 areat their respective locations 1 through n and location pages 1 throughn.

The geographic calibrations calibrate the coordinates of the preciselocation 46 determined by the location device 44 to a local coordinatesystem used for the project. For example, the location device 44 mayinclude a precise positioning global positioning system (GPS) receiverfor determining the location 46 in terms of real time kinematic (RTK)coordinates with respect to an RTK reference and a WGS84 datum model.The local position coordinates for the project will in general bereferenced to some other mark. The geographical calibration calibratesthe precise location 46 to the local coordinates in order to use thedigital terrain models for its work. The geographic calibration 11calibrates the machines 16 corresponding to the project plan machineidentifications A-E for the page 1 of the location 1. The geographiccalibration 12 calibrates the machines 16 corresponding to the projectplan machine identifications F-J for the page 2 of the location 1. Thegeographic calibration in calibrates the machines 16 corresponding tothe project plan machine identifications K-O for the page n of thelocation 1. The geographic calibration 21 calibrates the machines 16corresponding to the project plan machine identification P-T for thepage 1 of the location 2. The geographic calibration n1 calibrates themachines 16 corresponding to the project plan machine identification U-Yfor the page 1 of the location n.

The design control files are categorized as design digital terrainmodels (DTM)s, current digital terrain models (DTM)s, and backgroundfiles. The design control files are stored in association with the pages1 through n of the project site location 1 through n. For example, thedesign DTM 11, current DTM 11 and background files 11 represent designcontrol files 11 associated with project plan machine identificationsA-E at location 1, page 1. The design DTM 12, current DTM 12 andbackground files 12 represent design control files 12 associated withproject plan machine identifications F-J at location 1, page 2. Thedesign DTM 1 n, current DTM in and background files in represent thedesign control files 12 associated with project plan machineidentifications K-O at location 1, page n. The design DTM 21, currentDTM 21 and background files 21 represent design control files 21associated with project plan machine identifications P-T at location 2,page 1. The design DTM 1 n, current DTM 1 n and background files inrepresent design control files 1 n associated with project plan machineidentifications U-Y at location n, page 1.

The background files may include reference line work, a picture,progress lines or avoidance zones. The reference line work may be aproperty boundary or an intersecting existing roadway. The picture maybe an aerial photograph of the project site. The progress lines may belines defining a previous level of work. The avoidance zone may be anecologically sensitive or hazardous area.

The application program provide applets A through Y to the individualconstruction machines 16 for using the project data files 12. Theapplets may be used in order to interpret, run or display theinformation for the communication system, the work order, thegeographical calibration and/or the project control files. For example,the applet 11A is the applet that enables the machine 16 correspondingto the project plan machine identification A (grader) to use the task11A, comm 11A, calibration 11 and/or design control files 11. The applet12F is the applet that enables the machine 16 corresponding to theproject plan machine identification F (grader) to use the task 12F, comm12F, calibration 12 and/or design control files 12. The applet 1 nK isthe applet that enables the machine 16 corresponding to the project planmachine identification K (grader) when the machine K (grader) to use thetask 1 nK, comm in K, calibration in and/or design control files in. Theapplet 21P is the applet that enables the machine 16 corresponding tothe project plan machine identification P (grader) to use the task 21P,comm 21P, calibration 21 and/or design control files 21. The applet n1Uis the applet that enables the machine 16 corresponding to the projectplan machine identification U (grader) to use the task n1U, comm n1U,calibration n1 and/or design control files n1. The applets are similarlyspecified for machines 16 corresponding to the project plan machineidentifications A-Y when they are at their respective locations 1through n and location pages 1 through n.

FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the database 22 where theproject data files 24 are represented as being stored in associationwith elevations. For example, task 11B-e1, design DTM 11B-e1, currentDTM 11B-e1 and background files 11-e1 are stored in association withlocation 1 page 1 project plan machine identification B (bulldozer) andelevation 1. Task 11B-e2, design DTM 11B-e2, current DTM 11B-e2 andbackground files 11-e2 are stored in association with location 1 page 1project plan machine identification B (bulldozer) and elevation 2. Task11B-e3, design DTM 11B-e3, current DTM 11B-e3 and background files 11-e3are stored in association with location 1 page 1 project plan machineidentification B (bulldozer) and elevation 3. Task 11B-e4, design DTM11B-e4, current DTM 11B-e4 and background files 11-e4 are stored inassociation with location 1 page 1 project plan machine identification B(bulldozer) and elevation 4. There may be more any number of elevations.Similar associations may be made for other locations 1 through n, pages1 through n, project plan machine identifications A through Y.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the database 22 where theproject data files 24 are represented as being stored in associationwith times. For example, task 11B-t1, design DTM 11B-t1, current DTM11B-t1 and background files 11-t1 are stored in association withlocation 1 page 1 project plan machine identification B (bulldozer) andtime 1. Task 11B-t2, design DTM 11B-t2, current DTM 11B-t2 andbackground files 11-t2 are stored in association with location 1 page 1project plan machine identification B (bulldozer) and time 2 Task11B-t3, design DTM 11B-t3, current DTM 11B-t3 and background files 11-t3 are stored in association with location 1 page 1 project plan machineidentification B (bulldozer) and time 3. Task 11B-t4, design DTM 11B-t4,current DTM 11B-t4 and background files 11-t 4 are stored in associationwith location 1 page 1 project plan machine identification B (bulldozer)and time 4. There may be more any number of times. Similar associationsmay be made for other locations 1 through n, pages 1 through n, projectplan machine identifications A through Y.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of the present invention fordistributing the selected project data files 12. In a step 100 theproject data files 24 are organized for project site locationsoptionally including pages, elevations and times; and project planmachine identifications. In step 120 the project data distributorreceives the machine signal from the construction machine. In a step 140the project data distributor uses the information in the machine signalfor selecting the project data files 12 for the location and/oridentification of the machine. Then, in a step 160 the project datadistributor transmits the data distribution signal to the machine. At asubsequent time, in a step 180 the project data distributor may receiveanother machine signal having information for updating the selectedproject data files 12.

FIG. 7A is a flow chart of the step 100 for organizing the project datafiles. In a step 102 the files are organized for project site locations.In a step 104 the files are organized for location pages. In a step 106the files are organized for project plan machine identification. In astep 108 the files are organized for elevations. In a step 110 the filesare organized for times. It should be noted that not all the steps102-110 need be performed and that the steps that are performed may beperformed one at a time in any order or may be performed all together atonce. The project data files 24 on the database 22 organized asdescribed may be contained on the tangible medium 80 in a form that maybe read by a processor.

FIG. 7B is a flow chart of the step 120 for receiving the machinesignal. In a step 122 the machine signal information is received for thelocation of the construction machine. In a step 124 the machine signalinformation is received for the identification of the constructionmachine. In a step 126 the machine signal information is received forthe elevation of the construction machine. In a step 128 the machinesignal information is received for time from the construction machine.It should be noted that not all the steps 122-128 need be performed andthat the steps that are performed may be performed one at a time in anyorder or may be performed all together at once.

FIG. 7C is a flow chart of the step 140 for selecting the project datafiles. In a step 142 the files are selected for project site locations.In a step 144 the files are paged to location pages. In a step 146 thefiles are selected for project plan machine identification. In a step148 the files are selected for elevation. In a step 150 the files areselected for time. It should be noted that not all the steps 142-150need be performed and that the steps that are performed may be performedone at a time in any order or may be performed all together at once.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of the present invention forreceiving selected project data files 12. The present invention may beembodied on a tangible medium 200 containing a set of instructions forcausing a processor to control a machine to carry out the steps of themethod. The medium may be a digital memory device such as a digitalvideo device (DVD), compact disk (CD), electronic memory chips, a harddisk, or the like. In a step 202 the construction machine determines itslocation 45. In a step 204 the machine transmits a machine signal havingthe location 45. In a step 206 the machine transmits its identification.In a step 208 the machine transmits its elevation. In a step 212 themachine transmits its time. The machine signal may include elevationand/or time. It should be noted that not all the steps 204-212 need beperformed and that the steps that are performed may be performed one ata time in any order or may be performed all together at once.

The construction machine receives a distribution signal in a step 214having the project data files 12 selected for the matching project sitelocation and project plan machine identification in response to themachine signal. In a step 216 the machine determines its preciselocation or position 46. The machine may be determining its preciselocation 46 at any time, before or after receiving the distributionsignal. Then, in a step 218 the machine or the operator of the machineuses the precise location 46 and the selected project data files 12 foroperation.

After operation has begun, in a further step 222 the machine 16transmits the machine signal for a new local location 45. In a step 224the machine 16 receives the distribution signal having the selectedproject data files 12 for a new location page. In a step 226 the machine16 transmits the machine signal for a current surface in order to updatethe current digital terrain model at the project data distributor 14. Ina step 228 the machine 16 receives the distribution signal having newselected project data files 12 and so on for the operation of themachine 16 on the construction project.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of thepresently preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdisclosure is not to be interpreted as limiting. Various alterations andmodifications will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the artafter having read the above disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended thatthe appended claims be interpreted as covering all alterations andmodifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A construction machine, comprising: a location device for determininginformation for a local geographical location; and a transceiver fortransmitting a machine signal having said local location information andreceiving a distribution signal from a project data distributor havingproject data files selected according to said local location fordirecting construction work of the machine; wherein: said selectedproject data files include a digital terrain model for a surfacecorresponding to said location.
 2. The machine of claim 1, wherein: saidmachine signal is transmitted automatically at power-up of said machine;and further comprising: a display for displaying said selected projectdata files so they can be used by an operator for directing the machinefor said construction work.
 3. The machine of claim 1, wherein: saidmachine signal further includes information for an identification ofsaid machine; and said project data files are further selected accordingto said identification.
 4. The machine of claim 1, wherein: saidselected project data files include a work order for describing a taskto be done by said machine.
 5. The machine of claim 1, wherein: saidselected project data files include background files having at least oneof an avoidance zone, a property boundary, an intersecting existingroadway or an aerial photograph.
 6. The machine of claim 1, wherein:said machine signal includes information defining a current surface atsaid local location; and wherein the current surface is used forupdating said selected project data files.
 7. The machine of claim 1,wherein: said local location is entered by a user into said locationdevice.
 8. The machine of claim 1, wherein: said local location includesan elevation; and said selected project data files are further selectedaccording to said elevation.
 9. The machine of claim 1, wherein: saidlocal location includes a time; and said selected project data files arefurther selected according to said time.
 10. A construction machine,comprising: a location device for determining information for a localgeographical location; and a transceiver for transmitting a machinesignal having said local location information and receiving adistribution signal from a project data distributor having project datafiles selected according to said local location for directingconstruction work of the machine; wherein: said selected project datafiles include a geographical calibration for converting betweencoordinates in a coordinate system used by the machine for determiningits position and coordinates in a coordinate system used in said projectdata files for directing said construction work.
 11. A constructionmachine, comprising: a location device for determining information for alocal geographical location; and a transceiver for transmitting amachine signal having said local location information and receiving adistribution signal from a project data distributor having project datafiles selected according to said local location for directingconstruction work of the machine; wherein: said selected project datafiles include an applet having programming for using at least one ofsaid selected project data files in said machine.
 12. A constructionmachine, comprising: a location device for determining information for alocal geographical location; and a transceiver for transmitting amachine signal having said local location information and receiving adistribution signal from a project data distributor having project datafiles selected according to said local location for directingconstruction work of the machine; wherein: said project data distributorhas said project data files for multiple construction sites organized inassociation with multiple project site locations, respectively, definedby geographical boundaries; and further organized into location pagesdefined by geographical boundaries, a particular one of said projectsite locations segmented into a plurality of said location pages; andsaid distribution signal includes newly selected said project data filesaccording to a new said local location as said machine moves across aone of said location page boundaries at said construction site.
 13. Amethod for use in a construction machine, comprising: determininginformation for a local geographical location; transmitting a machinesignal having said local location information; and receiving adistribution signal from a project data distributor having project datafiles selected according to said local location for directingconstruction work of the machine; wherein: said selected project datafiles include a digital terrain model corresponding to said location.14. The method of claim 13, wherein: transmitting said machine signalincludes automatically transmitting said machine signal at power-up ofsaid machine; and further comprising: displaying said selected projectdata files so they can be used by an operator for directing the machinefor said construction work.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein: saidmachine signal further includes information for an identification ofsaid machine; and selecting said project data files further includesselecting said project data files according to said identification. 16.The method of claim 13, wherein: said selected project data filesinclude a work order for describing a task to be done by said machine.17. The method of claim 13, wherein: said selected project data filesinclude background files having at least one of an avoidance zone, aproperty boundary, an intersecting existing roadway or an aerialphotograph.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein: said machine signalincludes information defining a current surface at said local location;and wherein said current surface is used for updating said selectedproject data files.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein: determiningsaid local location includes entering said local location by a user. 20.The method of claim 13, wherein: said local location includes anelevation; and said selected project data files are further selectedaccording to said elevation.
 21. The method of claim 13, wherein: saidlocal location includes a time; and said selected project data files arefurther selected according to said time.
 22. A method for use in aconstruction machine, comprising: determining information for a localgeographical location; transmitting a machine signal having said locallocation information; and receiving a distribution signal from a projectdata distributor having project data files selected according to saidlocal location for directing construction work of the machine; wherein:said selected project data files include a geographical calibration forconverting between coordinates in a coordinate system used by themachine for determining its position and coordinates in a coordinatesystem used in said project data files for directing said constructionwork.
 23. A method for use in a construction machine, comprising:determining information for a local geographical location; transmittinga machine signal having said local location information; and receiving adistribution signal from a project data distributor having project datafiles selected according to said local location for directingconstruction work of the machine; wherein: said selected project datafiles include an applet having programming for using at least one ofsaid selected project data files in said machine.
 24. A method for usein a construction machine, comprising: determining information for alocal geographical location; transmitting a machine signal having saidlocal location information; and receiving a distribution signal from aproject data distributor having project data files selected according tosaid local location for directing construction work of the machine;wherein: said project data distributor has said project data files formultiple construction sites organized in association with multipleproject site locations, respectively, defined by geographicalboundaries; and further organized into location pages defined bygeographical boundaries, a particular one of said project site locationssegmented into a plurality of said location pages; and said distributionsignal includes newly selected said project data files according to anew said local location as said machine moves across a one of saidlocation page boundaries at said construction site.
 25. A tangiblemedium containing a set of instructions for causing a machine to carryout the following steps: determining information of a local geographicallocation; transmitting a machine signal having said local locationinformation; and receiving a distribution signal from a project datadistributor having project data files selected according to said locallocation for directing construction work of the machine; wherein: saidselected project data files include a digital terrain modelcorresponding to said location.
 26. A construction machine, comprising:a location device for determining a local location; and an auto-starttransceiver for transmitting a machine signal having said local locationand receiving a distribution signal from a project data distributorhaving project data files selected according to said local location foroperation of the machine wherein: said selected project data filesinclude a geographical calibration for converting between coordinates ina coordinate system used by the machine for determining its position andcoordinates in a coordinate system used in said project data files forsaid operation of the machine.
 27. A method for use in a constructionmachine, comprising: determining a local location; transmitting amachine signal having said local location; and receiving a distributionsignal from a project data distributor having project data filesselected according to said local location for operation of the machine,wherein: said selected project data files include a geographicalcalibration for converting between coordinates in a coordinate systemused by the machine for determining its position and coordinates in acoordinate system used in said project data files for said operation ofthe machine.
 28. A tangible medium containing a set of instructions forcausing a machine to carry out the following steps: determininginformation of a local geographical location; transmitting a machinesignal having said local location information; and receiving adistribution signal from a project data distributor having project datafiles selected according to said local location for directingconstruction work of the machine; wherein: said selected project datafiles include a geographical calibration for converting betweencoordinates in a coordinate system used by the machine for determiningits position and coordinates in a coordinate system used in said projectdata files for directing said construction work.
 29. A tangible mediumcontaining a set of instructions for causing a machine to carry out thefollowing steps: determining information of a local geographicallocation; transmitting a machine signal having said local locationinformation; and receiving a distribution signal from a project datadistributor having project data files selected according to said locallocation for directing construction work of the machine; wherein: saidselected project data files include an applet having programming forusing at least one of said selected project data files in said machine.30. A tangible medium containing a set of instructions for causing amachine to carry out the following steps: determining information for alocal geographical location; transmitting a machine signal having saidlocal location information; and receiving a distribution signal from aproject data distributor having project data files selected according tosaid local location for directing construction work of the machine;wherein: said project data distributor has said project data files formultiple construction sites organized in association with multipleproject site locations, respectively, defined by geographicalboundaries; and further organized into location pages defined bygeographical boundaries, a particular one of said project site locationssegmented into a plurality of said location pages; and said distributionsignal includes newly selected said project data files according to anew said local location as said machine moves across a one of saidlocation page boundaries at said construction site.